Hi everyone,
I'm writing on behalf of my mum, who is a 61 and is positive, happy, and fit as can be despite having OC We are really desperate for any information on chemotherapies and treatments that might be available for her.
She has had stage 4 ovarian cancer for a year and a half now. It is NOT BRCA positive. It is also high grade, and is platinum resistant (platinum plus avastin lasted ALMOST 6 months, so it is classed as resistant even though cisplatin has been useful following that.
She has had the following treatments:
Avastin/paclitaxel/carboplatin (i think that's what it was first line)
Weekly taxol
Cisplatin/etoposide (she got 6 months from this)
She is now on weekly Gemcitabine
The doctor said we are running lower on options now and it is quite aggressive that it becomes resistant to treatment quite quickly. However is hasn't invaded any organs yet.
It has proven hard for her to get onto trials as she seems to go rocketing downwards into sub acute obstruction as soon as the chemo stops working and she is therefore never fit enough to start a trial. It is a catch 22!
We have heard that using epirubicin is a potential option, however I am not exactly jumping out of my seat with excitement for this old drug.
Caelyx isn't really an option for my mum as the doctor said it is more slow acting due to being liposomal, and my mums cancer is too rapidly dividing for it.
On the upside, my mum responds very well to new chemo as the faster the cells divide, the more susceptible they are to the chemo! (silver linings )
Anyway...to the point!
Does anyone know of any new treatments we could ask about? Even if they are treatments used in the US or other European countries and not available on the NHS?
Olaparib seems to only be for the "lucky" BRCA positive girls, so I am hoping there's something else out there that might give us some hope. Would appreciate any help you could offer.
I browse around here a lot just reading you girls' posts. I love how high spirited and positive you all are. I must suggest to my mum to join the group!
Much love to all you strong and lovely ladies xxx